ACE Group Classic: Tom Watson commits for first time since 2006; Montgomerie, Irwin, others also commit

Bernhard Langer won his second ACE Group Classic title in three years on Sunday, Feb. 17 at at TwinEagles Club in Naples. Video by NBC-2

Video by NBC-2

Tom Watson watches his tee shot from the fourth hole land on the fairway during final round action at the Ace Group Classic at The Club at TwinEagles Sunday afternoon.

Daily News

Tom Watson came so close to winning his first professional tour event in Naples. The Hall of Famer and 2014 U.S. Ryder Cup captain lost in sudden-death playoffs in 2004 (a three-way playoff to Craig Stadler) and 2000 (a four-way playoff won by Lanny Wadkins).

Watson hasn't played in Naples since 2006, but that will change next month.

Watson is on the early list of commitments for the ACE Group Classic, which is Feb. 11-16 at TwinEagles Club. He also tied for second in 2003, three shots behind Vicente Fernandez, and lost by a stroke to Hale Irwin in 2002 after hitting a ball in the water coming down the stretch.

"It's so cool," ACE Group Classic tournament director Gail Graham said. "I think it's fantastic. He's one of the greats of the game."

Watson won in Tampa back in 2007 for his first victory on the PGA or Champions tours in the Sunshine State in 93 tries.

Bernhard Langer and Irwin — both two-time champions — Tom Kite, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Price, and Curtis Strange also have committed. All are World Golf Hall of Famers.

"You want to see them every time you can," Graham said. "Our fans in Naples, they're the ones that they remember."

Watson has captured eight major championships — five British Opens, two Masters, and one U.S. Open. He ranks sixth on the list of total majors won.

Langer, the defending champion, also has won the Masters.

The seven commitments have a combined 19 major victories. Irwin has claimed three U.S. Opens, Strange has two U.S. Open titles — winning back-to-back in 1988 and 1989, Kite won the U.S. Open in 1992, and Price has two PGA Championships, along with a British Open.

A 2013 inductee to the World Golf Hall of Fame, Montgomerie won the European Tour money title eight times, including seven straight from 1993-99.

The final field for the ACE Group Classic will be announced Friday, Feb. 7.

Volunteer registration is open. Email Mason Slaughter at masonslaughter@octagon.com or go to www.acegroupclassic.com. Fifth Third Bank is once again the volunteer sponsor.

Ultimate Golf Experience Books are now on sale for $99. With the purchase of an Ultimate Golf Experience Book, fans will receive discounted golf rounds at over 25 golf courses in Southwest Florida, a weekly grounds ticket, complimentary parking all week, two concessions vouchers valid any day, and a 10 percent discount in the TwinEagles Pro Shop.

Upgraded ticket options, including the 18th Green Hospitality Suite which includes an open bar and food buffet are available for $100. Weekly Tickets (valid Tuesday — Sunday) are $50 and Daily Tickets (valid any one day Tuesday — Sunday) are now on sale for $25. Weekly VIP Parking passes will be sold for $115. Daily VIP Parking will be $45 and is valid any one day during tournament week. Please note VIP Parking passes are not available at the gate. General Parking passes are available Weekly for $25 and Daily (any one day) for $5.

For more information, visit www.theacegroupclassic.com or call the Tournament Office at 239.593.3900.